Matthew 14,1-12

August 5, 2023 (Saturday)
Let us all remember that we are in the Holy Presence of God.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Gospel: Matthew 14,1-12
Herod the tetrarch heard of the reputation of Jesus and said to his servants, “This man is John the Baptist. He has been raised from the dead; that is why mighty powers are at work in him.” Now Herod had arrested John, bound (him), and put him in prison on account of Herodias, the wife of his brother Philip, for John had said to him, “It is not lawful for you to have her.” Although he wanted to kill him, he feared the people, for they regarded him as a prophet. But at a birthday celebration for Herod, the daughter of Herodias performed a dance before the guests and delighted Herod so much that he swore to give her whatever she might ask for. Prompted by her mother, she said, “Give me here on a platter the head of John the Baptist.” The king was distressed, but because of his oaths and the guests who were present, he ordered that it be given, and he had John beheaded in the prison. His head was brought in on a platter and given to the girl, who took it to her mother. His disciples came and took away the corpse and buried him, and they went and told Jesus.

Reflection:
We have read and heard the sad but glorious fate of John the Baptist, this is the immense price of proclaiming the truth. What he has experienced before is still the same today. Though they may not be as they were in another form as they are such as social injustice, racism, indifference, violent decisions, human apathy, etc. As Lasallians, let us continue to be the voice of the voiceless and stand for what is right in preserving life. The example of John the Baptist leaves no middle ground for his followers, whether they are for him or against him… his demand is obvious and without compromise. Hence, we must make the right choice and let us ask the guidance of the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts and mind with the love and truth of God. As we continue to reflect on the message of the gospel, let us ask ourselves, where am I right now? Which side of the ground am I standing in? (GORDE, VLADIMHER F., COLLEGE OF HUMANITIES AND SCIENCES – Faculty, 2019)

Lasallian Guiding Principle:
LGP states that “the spirit of faith is a “spirit that allows one to search for God’s will in order to carry out his saving plan.” As Lasallians, we must cultivate the faith that has been planted in our hearts so that we may grow every single day of our lives. (DE GUIA, JENIC S., CAMPUS MINISTRY AND CHAPLAINCY OFFICE -Lasallian Mission Minister, 2023)

Prayer:
Synod on Synodality Prayer

We stand before You, Holy Spirit, as we gather together in Your name.
With You alone to guide us, Make Yourself at home in our hearts;
Teach us the way we must go and how we are to pursue it.
We are weak and sinful; do not let us promote disorder.
Do not let ignorance lead us down the wrong path nor partiality influence our actions.
Let us find in You our unity so that we may journey together to eternal life and not stray from the way of truth and what is right.
All this we ask of You, who are at work in every place and time, in the communion of the Father and the Son, forever and ever. Amen.

St. John Baptist de La Salle, pray for us.

St. Miguel Febres Cordero, pray for us.
Live Jesus in our hearts, forever!

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Sources:
C. (n.d.). Daily Gospel. Retrieved June 22, 2020, from https://dailygospel.org/M/AM/DLSU ITS, DLSU STRATCOM, DLSU IRPA. (n.d.). Guiding Principles of the Philippine Lasallian Family.
Retrieved June 22, 2020, from http://www.dlsu.edu.ph/inside/lasallian-guiding-principles/default.asp

Prepared by Pratik, Sati D., College of Humanities and Sciences- BS Biochemistry Student, through the DLSMHSI Lasallian Mission and Linkages and Advancement, Campus Ministry, and Chaplaincy

Our Daily Lasallian Gospel, Prayer and Reflection is a DLSMHSI gift to the Lasallian family for the 2019 Celebration of the Year of Vocation and the Tercentenary celebration of the death of our founder SJBDLS.

https://www.dlshsi.edu.ph/daily-lasallian-reflection-prayer #300LaSalle